John J. "Jake" Crouthamel
Honorary Award
1995 Letterwinner of Distinction
1995 Letterwinner of Distinction
Syracuse Athletics have benefited from the vision of Jake Crouthamel and the initiative he has shown in all areas of modern college athletics. Through his leadership in the Big East Conference, College Football Association and NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee, Jake has earned the respect of his peers and the national sports community.
In his 17 years as Director of Athletics at Syracuse, significant improvements have been made in all aspects of the athletic program. In facilities along, Jake has been instrumental in the building of the Carrier Dome; the addition of the football complex to Manley Field House; the creation of Colvin Park with its outdoor track, practice fields and new soccer stadium now under construction; the enlargement and renovation of Manley Field House and its new Coaches Office Building and Student-Athletes Services wing; the upgrading of Coyne Stadium; and improvements to virtually every other venue used by Syracuse student-athletes.
Internally, Jake has improved and expanded varsity programs, the Athletic Department staff and services it gives to student-athletes. He is a tireless worker who strongly believes in the educational value of athletics. Because of Jake’s integrity, knowledge and leadership, the SU athletic program is considered to be one of the most progressive and successful in the nation.
A native of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, Jake was the top all-around athlete at Pennridge High School. He lettered in football, track and rugby at Dartmouth College and received his degree in history in 1960. A two-way halfback he set a Big Green career rushing record and earned All-Ivy and second team All-American honors. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy where he coached the Pearl Harbor Naval football team to the 1962 Armed Forces League Championship, Jake coached at Mercersburg (PA) Academy. He returned to Dartmouth in 1965 as an assistant football coach and was promoted to head coach in 1971. During his seven years as head coach, Dartmouth compiled at 41-20-2 record, winning two league titles and sharing another.
Jake resigned after the 1977 season and was named the ninth Director of Athletics at Syracuse in March 1978.
